Natural stone is truly sensational. This material brings a slab of mother earth into your bathroom, transforming it into a feel-good oasis. Granite, slate, sandstone and other stones can be paired with an immense number of colours and textures. Read on for tips on enhancing your bathroom.
Natural stone is a material like no other that was created naturally over millions of years. Through heat, pressure and the effects of weather, minerals have been transformed into a variety of rocks that reflect the eternity of nature and nature’s ingenuity. Magma – a molten and semi-molten rock mixture found under the surface of the Earth that forms the up to 35 kilometre thick crust – is just as ingenious.
There is an unlimited choice of stoneware, as each stone is unique. Geologists separate natural stone into the following categories:
Stone has been enjoying increasing popularity in the kitchen and bathroom for some time. Its sensational look is partially responsible for this, as it subtly dominates the room’s ambiance and is great for pairing with other materials. But stone also has many other benefits:
Here are some different types of stone materials for your consideration:
Travertine is a sedimentary rock that frequently forms in hot springs. This highly porous stone can be predominantly found in Tivoli in the Italian region of Latium, which surrounds Rome. When various sedimentary layers deposited over thousands of years form travertine, several cavities are created, which can store heat. The large pores can also quickly absorb moisture, which also evaporates again just as quickly.
The warm sandy and earthy colours will give your bathroom a light and friendly vibe. Travertine looks particularly impressive as flooring and wall panels, but it can also be easily matched with plain-coloured tiles. A wash basin made of travertine can form a visual highlight. Black and white go great with travertine. Combining it with turquoise and azure blue will create a very Mediterranean look.
Granite comes in many colours, from pink to black to light grey. This tough, robust rock is made up of feldspar, mica and quartz. Get the angle right, and certain types of granite will reflect the light like rhinestones. There’s also a reason why people say ‘like biting on granite’: Because this stone can withstand stresses without a visible trace.
Granite floor tiles are usually flamed or brushed to give them an anti-slip surface. Smoothly polished as wall tiles or a wash basin unit, granite looks timelessly elegant. Thanks to the huge variety of colours and often intricate patterns, you can put together unusual combinations with ceramic tiles or wood to create a classic vibe.
Sandstone was once seen as a relatively uniform material in earthy tones, from yellow to brown and light grey. The variety of colours sandstone now comes in has multiplied thanks to international imports. These days, you can get this long-lasting natural stone for your bathroom in shades of red and green. It can also feature interesting grains that are reminiscent of wood.
With this in mind, sandstone is versatile and can now be used for all style preferences: in flooring, on walls, as a wash basin unit or bench. This stone is common, so its price point is lower than that of granite or marble, which have both been considered the epitome of luxury in the bathroom as far back as the ancient world. Specialists even recommend leaving the natural surface as it is, rather than treating it. This enables the natural texture of the sandstone to come into its own.
Just like travertine, slate is a sedimentary rock that has formed over the course of millions of years. Natural slabs of slate have a natural surface finish that makes each slab unique. The dark tones give the room a sensual look that indicates groundedness. Charcoal-coloured slate tiles are particularly popular and look appealing, even in small rooms. Deep black tiles, by contrast, deserve to be laid in a room of a certain size so that their full effect can be felt.
Green slate is reminiscent of a hammam, the steam baths of the Near and Middle East, where this stone is frequently used. Slate is easy care and features a slightly rough surface finish that feels nice and warm underfoot. Slate is also available in a ground or polished finish for the wall or a wash basin unit.
Natural stone is the perfect material for a long-lasting bathroom that can still exude the style and joie de vivre of a wellness oasis after many years. Whether it’s travertine, granite, sandstone or slate, natural stone can withstand a great deal, feels amazing and improves the indoor climate. This gift from nature is also great for combining with other materials.